Dr. David Schwartz receives 39th annual Alton Ochsner Award

NEW ORLEANS – Ochsner Health has announced David A. Schwartz, MD, as the 2024 winner of the Alton Ochsner Award Relating Smoking and Disease. Dr. Schwartz is a Distinguished Professor of Medicine and Immunology and director of the Program to Advance Physician Scientists and Translational Research at University of Colorado’s Anschutz School of Medicine.

Dr. Schwartz won the 39th annual Alton Ochsner Award for his research on how genetic and environmental factors, including smoking, contribute to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). He found that a specific change in the MUC5B gene increases the risk of developing IPF. Smoking can increase this risk by three to five times and activates the MUC5B gene. This discovery helps identify people at risk for IPF early, even before any symptoms appear; advances novel mechanisms of disease pathogenesis; and suggests new ways to treat all forms of a disease that has limited therapeutic options.

“I am honored to be recognized for our contributions to lung fibrosis,” said Dr. Schwartz. “My team at the University of Colorado and my collaborators around the world have made these discoveries possible. We are hopeful that our recent advances in the way we think about this progressive disease will ultimately benefit patients with lung fibrosis.”

The prestigious award, established in 1986, recognizes groundbreaking scientific research that deepens our understanding of the biological mechanisms linking tobacco smoking and human disease. Honoring Dr. Alton Ochsner, who first identified smoking as a primary cause of lung cancer in 1939, the award includes a $15,000 honorarium, an award medallion, and a plaque detailing the recipient's key research findings. This accolade continues Dr. Ochsner's legacy by highlighting exemplary contributions that advance the fight against smoking-related diseases.

"We are honored to support researchers who make critical advancements to deepen our understanding of smoking cessation and disease prevention, because we know research is key to unlocking innovative treatments,” said Leonardo Seoane, MD, Chief Academic Officer for Ochsner Health. “We commend Dr. Schwartz for his scientific discoveries that will help physicians screen for and treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.”